Hi Everyone,


For the last month or two I've been reading everything I've come accross with regard to rod building, in preparation for my first project. A while back I read something about using Kevlar thread for wrapping ferrules and guide feet on delicate blanks. Seems to me like it might be overkill but then again it also seems that it could add a great deal of strength. Not to mention the coolness factor.

Has anyone here used kevlar in any light tackle projects? (ie 3 weight fly rod)

I've got some kevlar fly tying thread but I think it would look kind of sloppy on a rod since it does not have a very tight twist to it and it flattens out when wrapping around a hook shank. Are there any specialty kevlar wrapping threads?

Thanks

Mark

I can not think of a good reason to wrap a rod with kevlar thread. Regualr size A thread has proven to be more that adequate for almost any fresh water application and if you're talkling about a large saltwater rod, switch to size D thread, you will be much happier with the results. Wrapping guides too tightly can cause them to indent the blank causing a possible blank failure. Give it a shot if yo want, but the added strenght of kevlar is not necessary and will very probably to finish out as good or could cause you major problems when you begin to use the rod. Just one man's opinion.

Jim Smith

Nylon rod wrapping thread is more than strong enough. You could not possibly break or tear a guide through a thread wrap and there is no current problem with thread breakage.

If you're simply after a flatter, smaller thread, then kevlar might be worth an experiment, or you could switch to fine silk.

..........

Mark,
I agree with the others about Kevlar. The only people that I know of that recommend it on some of their very thin walled ferrules is Gatti. I have only wrapped a few blanks with it but found it difficult to work with and get a nice looking job. I don't think that there are much in the way of color options so it is usually used as an underwrap and it is tough on your tools, dulling them.

I use kevlar thread as a "pull-thru" loop when wrapping with size A or C thread. I piece will last for and entire rod.

Thanks,

I suspected that it was likely overkill but having heard it before (Emory, now that you mention it I believe it was on Gatti's site where I heard it) I wanted to see if there was any real need for it.

Mark